The MEAM Approach

Partnership

The right people at the table, a culture of coproduction, a shared understanding of the problem and a vision for change

Partnership, coproduction and vision

Consistency in selecting a caseload

Coordination for clients and services

Flexible responses from services

Service improvement and workforce development

Measurement of success

Sustainability and systems change

A successful MEAM Approach area will:

Bring together a cross-sector partnership of providers, commissioners, people with experience of multiple disadvantage and key decision makers who together are committed to leading this work. The aim is to create an intervention for the “area as a whole.” Try to ensure a balanced partnership, but keep it manageable. (The MEAM Approach element on flexible responses provides practical information on setting up operational and strategic groups.)

Ensure that people with experience of multiple disadvantage have a central role in the partnership, sharing power so that all decisions are coproduced and people have the support they need to engage in the work. This will require specific time and resources.

Develop a shared definition of multiple disadvantage. For MEAM this means people experiencing a combination of problems at the same time including homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health and contact with the criminal justice system. There should be a particular focus on individuals who have ineffective contact with services. The partnership should also explore gender, diversity and equality dimensions, how these are experienced by people facing multiple disadvantage, and how they might impact on equality of access to support.

Develop a shared understanding of the problems with the current system and a clear vision for change. Partnerships should explore what ‘systems change’ means to them and how it can help them achieve this vision. (See also the element on systems change later in this document).

Undertake research to understand the scale and nature of multiple disadvantage locally. This should include an assessment of how many people face multiple disadvantage in the local area and where they are situated. When undertaking this research, all stakeholders and relevant services should be involved. Partnerships should also explore the possibility that certain groups or individuals facing multiple disadvantage may not be visible to local services.